Solved Would like help removing PC infection (trojan powelik among possible others)

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
Hi. I'm new to malwaretips.com. I googled the issues I was having with my laptop and eventually realized this was the infamous Trojan so many folks have gotten lately. Managed to follow instructions to another user on your website to allow downloads (despite the virus changing settings to block them) and acquired FRST software as recommended in the thread, then did a scan last night (attached). Your help in eradicating this plague to my laptop and related sanity would be most welcome and much appreciated...

Keith
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    42.7 KB · Views: 41
  • Addition.txt
    35.5 KB · Views: 60

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Hello,



They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.



Before we start please read and note the following:
  • At the top of your post, please click on the "Watch thread" button and make sure to check Watch this thread...and receive email notifications. This will send an email to you as soon as I reply to your topic, allowing me to solve your problem faster.
  • Please do not install any new software during the cleaning process other than the tools I provide for you. This can hinder the cleaning process. Please do not perform System Restore or any other restore.
  • Instructions I give to you are very simple and made for complete beginner to follow. That's why you need to read through my instructions carefully and completely before executing them.
  • Please do not run any tools other than the ones I ask you to, when I ask you to. Some of these tools can be very dangerous if used improperly. Also, if you use a tool that I have not requested you use, it can cause false positives, thereby delaying the complete cleaning of your machine.
  • All tools we use here are completely clean and do not contain any malware. If your antivirus detects them as malicious, please disable your antivirus and then continue.
  • If during the process you run across anything that is not in my instructions, please stop and ask. If any tool is running too much time (few hours), please stop and inform me.
  • I visit forum several times at day, making sure to respond to everyone's topic as fast as possible. But bear in mind that I have private life like everyone and I cannot be here 24/7. So please be patient with me. Also, some infections require less, and some more time to be removed completely, so bear this in mind and be patient.
  • Please stay with me until the end of all steps and procedures and I declare your system clean. Just because there is a lack of symptoms does not indicate a clean machine. If you solved your problem yourself, set aside two minutes to let me know.
  • Please attach all report using
    fjqb1h.png
    button below. Doing this, you make it easier for me to analyze and fix your problem.

  • Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
  • If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.




TDSSKiller_Kaspersky.png
Scan with TDSSKiller

Please download TDSSKiller by Kaspersky and save it to your desktop.

  • Right-click on
    TDSSKiller_Kaspersky.png
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  • Click on Change parameters and put a checkmark beside Loaded modules. A reboot will be needed to apply the changes, allow it to do so.
  • Your machine may appear very slow and unusable after that - it's normal.
  • TDSSKiller will run automaticaly. Click on Change parameters and click OK.
  • Click the Start Scan button and wait patiently.

If anything will be found follow this guidelines:
  • If a suspicious object is detected, the default action will be Skip, click on Continue.
  • If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
    Ensure Cure (default) is selected, then click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
    If Cure is not available, please choose Skip instead.
  • Do not choose Delete unless instructed!

A report will be created in your root directory, (usually C:\ drive) in the form of TDSSKiller.[Version]_[Date]_[Time]_log.txt. Please include the contents of that file in your next post.




51a5bf3d99e8a-ComboFixlogo16.png
Scan with ComboFix

This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!


Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

  • Right-click on
    51a5bf3d99e8a-ComboFixlogo16.png
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  • Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
  • Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
  • This scan may take some time!
  • When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).

Include that log in your next reply.
icon_idea.gif
If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.
icon_idea.gif
If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.
 

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
Attached are the two files you requested. I followed the instructions best I could though I'm really out of my depth with these programs. I hope I did this right. Thanks again for your help, TwinHeadedEagle.
 

Attachments

  • TDSSKiller.3.0.0.41_31.10.2014_18.57.10_log.txt
    739.4 KB · Views: 40
  • ComboFix.txt
    25.4 KB · Views: 68

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Good. We will run FRST scan again:



FRST.gif
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.
  • Right-click on
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
    (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
  • Make sure that Addition option is checked.
  • Press Scan button and wait.
  • The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.
Please include their content into your next reply.
 

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
TwinHeadedEagle,attached are the two files - results of the FRST scan. I did the scan as instructed - 'run as an administrator'. I hope it doesn't matter that I was logged into Win 7 as 'owner', not 'administrator'...? I rarely log into my Windows as 'administrator'.

Again, your help in this is very much appreciated...
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    44.8 KB · Views: 47
  • Addition.txt
    41 KB · Views: 121

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Good. We will use FRST one more time. Tell me how is your PC now?


FRST.gif
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

icon_exclaim.gif
This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
icon_exclaim.gif

icon_exclaim.gif
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.
icon_exclaim.gif

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

  • Right-click on
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
    (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
  • Press the Fix button just once and wait.
  • If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
  • When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.
 

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    235 bytes · Views: 52

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
TwinHeadedEagle, you are a powerful and effective resource. How is my PC now? You appear to have successfully thwarted the intentions of whatever creep dreamed up the suite of infections that resided on my laptop. The only potential sign of residual infection is that a message popped up that I need to close some programs because I'd reached the limit of active memory - but it's most likely that that is legitimate/warranted (not infection) because my laptop is old and I have dozens of windows open at a time (my research often calls for it).

I'm attaching the frstfix file that you asked for, TwinHeadedEagle, and again with my sincere thanks. This log doesn't look like much, but then neither did the one I downloaded to my desktop. I hope it is what you expect.



As you surely know through your own experience, when so much of our intellectual life and significant parts of each day are given to 'partnering' with a laptop - partnering with an intensity that fully absorbs us till we come to unconsciously feel our sense of self - our identity - is inextricably interwoven with cyberspace/PC capabilities expected (known with a certainty) to be at our fingertips, ready for instant use.

After my laptop was restored to health, I felt a sense of calm... a feeling of being comfortably 'at home'. And at that moment, I realized that the chaotic, functionally unpredictable thing that was my laptop for weeks had alienated me from the security inherent in feeling 'at home'.

An integral aspect of what I understood to be what I am capable of (capable of by extension, using the laptop and all it makes possible) was disabled in a disturbing way. It was behaving erratically; in a sense: mentally ill. Worse. it was now tainted, actively operating with a highjacked purpose. There was now a malicious intent, a new capability effectively summed up as 'betrayal of my trust'.

My solace in feeling 'at home' was suddenly absent because of my laptop's behavior - and because that aspect of my capabilities (capabilities through use of the computer) had for weeks been... rendered unreliable. It felt unfamiliar in a most fundamental way, inharmonious with the sense of being 'at home'.

But TwinHeadedEagle, once your instructed combofix program had completed its operation, there was a feeling in me of a vexing violent storm having passed, the world emerging fresh from that tumult and distress... calm... the sun's beams bright on saturated leaves still dripping with residual raindrops....

Ok, I get carried away when I write. But you understand what I'm trying to communicate evocatively (some might even say way over the top).


Let me know if there's something else I must do - and you have my gratitude, TwinHeadedEagle.

Keith
 

Attachments

  • Fixlog.txt
    1 KB · Views: 45

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Your PC seems okay now :)

Low memory messages are okay if you're using a lot of programs in the same time.



Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself :)


Recommended reading:
icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - security tips:

icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - general maintenance:


The Importance of Software Updating:

In order to stay protected it is
very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.




Recommended additional software:
icon_arrow.gif
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
icon_arrow.gif
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
icon_arrow.gif
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
icon_arrow.gif
FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
icon_arrow.gif
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!



Post-cleanup procedures:


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
  • Run the tool by right click on the
    51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
    icon and Run as administrator option.
  • Make sure that these ones are checked:
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Purge system restore
    • Reset system settings
  • Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
  • All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)
The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.



My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​




Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle :)
 

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
TwinHeadedEagle, it's back with a vengeance!!! Same symptoms!!! Worse even, if that's possible!!! Gaaaah!
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
FRST.gif
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.
Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.


  • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
  • Press Scan button.
  • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your reply.
  • The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.
 

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
I hadn't even started carrying out your last instructions so still have all the software on my laptop. Using those, logged in to windows a owner, I did FRST scan and TDSS scan - all resultant files attached. Sorry to have to use your time again...
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    44.4 KB · Views: 144
  • Addition.txt
    37.1 KB · Views: 185
  • TDSSKiller.3.0.0.41_03.11.2014_21.39.45_log.txt
    792.1 KB · Views: 66
  • TDSSKiller.3.0.0.41_03.11.2014_21.32.17_log.txt
    8.2 KB · Views: 39

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
FRST.gif
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

icon_exclaim.gif
This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
icon_exclaim.gif

icon_exclaim.gif
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.
icon_exclaim.gif

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

  • Right-click on
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    Run as Administrator to start the tool.
    (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
  • Press the Fix button just once and wait.
  • If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
  • When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.
 

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    3.6 KB · Views: 58

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
TwinHeadedEagle, attached is the fix file generated after completing the FRST fix operation. I will await your response before taking any other action.

I first notice this new infection when a pop-up message informed me that Google Chrome had crashed. Not only was I not online, I don't even use Google Chrome! The ##### hit the fan immediately following this occurrence. I opened an Internet connection to send you my hysterical message that the virus was back. I was freaked when - after closing the Web connection - Norton 360 security log showed that dozens of unfamiliar processes were attempting to open a connection to the Internet from my laptop. Gave me the willies.

That's why you received the TDSS files in addition to the FRST files in my prior message. I panicked. I hadn't yet received your reply to my agonized message that the infection was back; in the interim, I ran both FRST and TDSS (which were still on my desktop, not having yet acted on your follow-up/clean-up instructions). So it was only after those operations had been completed that I saw you'd wanted me to run FRST only. I'm confident that this is the only instance of deviation from following your instructions to the letter. I apologize for this action taken in desperation as I was edgily awaiting for your message with instructions to address the new threat.

You have my gratitude for your patience and applied expertise in helping me, as well as volunteering to assist the other folks similarly plagued by malicious programs.

Keith
 

Attachments

  • Fixlog.txt
    8.1 KB · Views: 98

Keith Ward

New Member
Thread author
Oct 31, 2014
9
Besides having to reset my homepage for my web browser and recustomize a half dozen program settings that the infection apparently changed, my laptop seems to be back to normal - the good normal, pre-infection. Blessed relief.

What's next, TwinHeadedEagle? Follow the clean-up instructions you sent Sunday?
 

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself :)


Recommended reading:
icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - security tips:

icon_exclaim.gif
MUST READ - general maintenance:


The Importance of Software Updating:

In order to stay protected it is
very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.




Recommended additional software:
icon_arrow.gif
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
icon_arrow.gif
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
icon_arrow.gif
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
icon_arrow.gif
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
icon_arrow.gif
FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.
icon_arrow.gif
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!



Post-cleanup procedures:


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
  • Run the tool by right click on the
    51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
    icon and Run as administrator option.
  • Make sure that these ones are checked:
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Purge system restore
    • Reset system settings
  • Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
  • All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)
The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.



My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​




Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle :)
 

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